Buttermilk Chipotle Crispy Chicken Thighs

Do you remember when I made these chipotle ranch chicken wings last month and how insanely delicious they were? Well I decided to turn it into crispy chicken thighs, and I am so happy that I did. I’ve been wanting to recreate that recipe for quite sometime. Those wings were absolutely magnificent and I think both Zach and I still have dreams about them, which is why I basically make them on a weekly basis. The other night when I asked Zach what he was craving for dinner, he told me he wanted those wings, but with no wings on hand and chicken thighs occupying some much needed fridge space, I decided to put it to the test. These buttermilk chipotle crispy chicken thighs were born and they immediately became one of our new go-to weeknight main course!

We eat chicken a lot, like a lot, a lot. This doesn’t sadden me. I love chicken in all shapes and forms. My go-to is usually boneless skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are by far my favorite. They are loaded with so much flavor, and let’s be honest, the skin is the best part.

Well, I take that back. Skin is the best part when the chicken is cooked correctly. There is nothing more horrible in this world than an overcooked chicken thigh with flabby skin. EW!

The crispiness is what makes a perfect skin-on, bone-in chicken thigh. This recipe is fairly simple. I think the most important thing to remember is that you want a super hot pan when you’re searing off your chicken. If you think it’s too brown before flipping, it’s probably not.

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the spice blend, buttermilk and hot sauce until mixed thoroughly. Add the chicken thighs and toss so that they are evenly coated. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours.

Once your chicken has marinated, pull it from the fridge and drain through a colander.

To a large bowl, add the remaining spice blend. Add the chicken and toss to evenly coat.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. In a large oven-safe skillet (I used cast iron), heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down and sear for about 8-10 minutes or until the skin is crispy and brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes, then transfer immediately to the oven to cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

You can follow the directions as is when replacing with boneless, skinless thighs. You obviously won’t get a crispy skin (as there is none), and it may take a little less time because they are boneless. I think it would be a great alternative. Enjoy!